Abilities, not disabilities on display at annual art show

The Salvation Army Developmental Disabilities Program and the Millsboro Art League will present the opening reception for their latest collaboration, the "3rd Annual Salvation Army Art Show." Art done by local artists will be on display and for sale all month long.

However, that doesn’t mean that the artwork is elementary in the least. The artists in this program labor year-round on their work, taking classes and honing their techniques in order to produce the best pieces they are capable of. And, the cooperative art show is one of the few chances they have to display and sell their work, which spurs them on to do more while doing it better year after year.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

1 Growth spurts

The first show was in 2010 and the Salvation Army’s Delaware Director Christy Cugno said that from humble beginnings, the program grows a little more each year.

“We had eight to 10 participants our first year,” Cugno said. “This year, we have 16. Our clients see the other people having fun and creating some good work, making more people want to participate.”

And, she added that while their creative abilities vary, their drive is the same.

“They want to do it and they do it,” Cugno said. “Most of them need the deadline of the show for motivation but once that’s in place, the work will be there.”

2 Affordable, feel-good art

The work is priced between $20 and $60, making it affordable for many household-decorating budgets. What many people may not realize, though, is that the sale proceeds go directly to the artists.

“The program makes money from the limited edition cards we sell,” Cugno said. “But, the money from the artwork goes right to the artist. And, the glee that comes out of them when somebody buys their art is priceless. Everyone should experience it at least once.”

3 Buy local from locals

The cards, both holiday and general, are not only done by people living right in Sussex County, they are also made and printed in Sussex County, too. The cards sell for $2 each or 3 for $5.